Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Always Looking, and Always Finding Those Little Moments of Joy-#29

I have had a challenging eleven days.I have hope and I look for the rainbow, but I admit it hasn’t been easy.I know that there are others of you who are in the midst of your own life challenges, some perhaps little, some life changing.I just thought it would be nice to share one more thing I do when the going is tough.In addition to gathering all the support I can find, and finding positive things in my life as often as possible, I read quotes.They make me think in new ways.Rather than miring myself in a deep, blue funk (is that an old, old saying?) I read quotes.I have one of those flip things that are something like ‘one a day’ quotes that someone gave me a long time ago, and of course I can go online.There are only two more days in the challenge, and weary though we are, everyone wants to find that final bit of strength to carry through.Ruth and Stacey have given a quote for inspiration nearly every day, like this recent one:“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow. ” ― Mary Anne Radmacher

Here are the quotes I found that speak to me right now. I begin with part of the poem Thumbprint, by Eve Merriam in which she says “And out of my blood and my brain/I make my own interior weather,/my own sun and rain.”

My granddaughter Imogene is not Imogene Joy, but she should be. She continues to be the nicest and sweetest baby one could have (see posts here and here). She is in awe of her crazy busy older sister and we continue to wonder what Imogene will be like, by the summer, as a one year old.

How could we not take joy from her?

She is already contemplative!

Here are some other quotes, to inspire, to make you chuckle, to see that you can choose JOY instead of that other way:

My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it’s on your plate. – Thornton Wilder

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. – Robert Brault

You had the power all along my dear. – Glinda the Good Witch.

Know that joy is rarer, more difficult, and more beautiful than sadness. Once you

make this all-important discovery, you must embrace joy as a moral obligation. –

Andre Gide

Never miss an opportunity to see anything that is beautiful. – Janet Hobson

30 comments:

I really like that, "“And out of my blood and my brain/I make my own interior weather,/my own sun and rain.” Little Imogene is beautiful. She does look like Joy. A few years ago, I took my favorite quote, the ones I needed to get through the day, and taped them to my bathroom mirror. That way, I read them each morning and night as I brushed my teeth. Sometimes, the little things are what help us through the big things. I admire how you are finding what works for you right now. Smart and strong.

Linda, your choice to look for the positive is a choice one must make to continue on during tough times. I applaud all your efforts as you have been a role model for all of us who have been following your posts. Imogene is lucky to have such a grandmother to look up to.

Collecting quotes that inspire seems has been a family tradition in my family...but I didn't know it until I was helping plan my brother's memorial service and found a collection of quotes on his bulletin board and in his planner....quots from Abraham Lincoln, Goldi Hahn, and fortune cookie slips mingling together to inspire him in a battle against cancer. Imagine my surprise when I realized my dad did the same thing...as do I

Quotes are fantastic reminders and can even be great little kicks-in-the-pants to get you going or help you think about something in a new way. I LOVE your Merriam quote. And the photos of your granddaughter. Beautiful!!

I always love quotes that inspire me and move me. I especially love it when I find them nestled in a book, the type of lines that cause me to stop and pause before being able to continue on. Thank you for the reminder to focus on the joy in life, knowing that our mindsets impact our emotions. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts.

Linda, love the quotes! Reminds me that I keep posting inspirational quotes on my pinterest board. May need to go back and be inspired. But not today - you've done that for me! I'm in awe of you on a daily basis through your teaching, poetry, patience. We are all in various stages of difficulty in our lives, but you are so positive and see the beauty and hope and bring it to life through your words. Thank you for all that you do for us! As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Oh! And that Imogene!!! I cannot get enough of cute babies and she is one cutie-patootie! Those cheeks - so kissable! Enjoy her!

I collect quotes, and you have definitely given me a few to add to my collection. I love the ice cream one! Every year I think I will put together a book of quotes and photographs for a holiday gift for my closest friends, but it hasn't happened yet. Hang in there!Carol

Linda, thanks for your joy-filled post today. Inspirational quotes seem to get me thru those times when I need some lifting up. May you find much joy today and every day. Imogene is just a doll! Blessings to you & your family.

Oh my goodness she is cute! I can't believe it's been almost a year, she'll be heading off to college before you know it. I can see how that face brings nothing but joy to everyone around. Tammyoh yes my favorite of you quotes is-I am woman! I am invincible! I am pooped! anonymoushee hee love it!

I have always been a quotation-collector. I have used them through lots of different times in my life to inspire, soothe, and energize me. When I was trying out for the OSU marching band (a big deal; I practiced 2 hours every day -- they cut almost a full band every year!), I decorated my bedroom walls with motivational quotes to keep me going. For you, I hunted through my quotes document until I found this one. It seems to be exactly how you live: "Always maintain a kind of summer, even in the middle of winter." -- Henry David Thoreau (I just LOVE Thoreau!)

You're an inspiration yourself, finding the joy right now. I could tell you were that kind of person to begin with. You always encourage and empower me with your comments. Thank you. I have copied the one from Thorton Wilder. I just started collecting quotes in February. Take care.

We should have named that girl Imogene Sunshine. You are the strongest woman I know, mom. This has been a challenging time. We are all proud of your quiet strength. I hope I can be as good a role model to Imogene and Ingrid as you are to me and Nathan. Hugs and kisses.-Sarah

Dear Linda, You have become my role model for a positive strong woman. I've only "met" you through SOLSC, but what a blessing you are. Thanks for sharing these quotes. I've recently begun to gather quotes in a place where I can find them (I usually lose them), so I'm going to add to my list with what you have here. And, I want to say that the above comment from Sarah (who I assume is your daughter) is absolutely beautiful! What a wonderful testament to being a positive influence in someone's life.

Your granddaughter is precious! No wonder she brings you joy. Your inner strength continues to amaze me. I never thought about reading quotes during difficult times; I tend (unfortunately) to reach for food. The quote reading would be a much healthier choice.